Alicia - Alicia Appleman-Jurman

Alicia

By Alicia Appleman-Jurman

  • Release Date: 1988-10-01
  • Genre: History
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 212 Ratings

Description

WINNER OF THE 1989 CHRISTOPHER AWARD • Here is a thrilling, uplifting story of true-life heroism unequaled since the publication of Anne Frank's diary—a story that the young must hear and their elders must remember. Take Alicia's hand—and follow.

“This memoir is heartbreaking. I hope it will be read by Jews and non-Jews alike.”—Elie Wiesel, author of Night

Her name is Alicia. She was thirteen when she began saving the lives of people she did not know—while fleeing the Nazis through war-ravaged Poland.

Her family cruelly wrenched from her, Alicia rescued other Jews from the Gestapo, led them to safe hideouts, and lent them her courage and hope. Even the sight of her mother's brutal murder could not quash this remarkable child's faith in human goodness—or her determination to prevail against overwhelming odds.

After the war, Alicia continued to risk her life, leading Polish Jews on an underground route to freedom in Palestine. She swore on her brother's grave that if she survived, she would speak for her silenced family. This book is the eloquent fulfillment of that oath.

Praise for Alicia

“Profoundly observed . . . remarkably lived . . . ferocious bravery.”The New York Times Book Review

“As exciting as it is inspirational. In fact, a good bit of Alicia: My Story reads as if it were written by one of our better writers of fiction.”The Pittsburgh Press

“A compelling voice, lucid prose . . . a luminous testimony to the heroism and humanity of one remarkable person.”San Francisco Chronicle

“Straightforward . . . energizing and inspirational.”Newsday

Reviews

  • MUST read this book!

    5
    By DHHTeacher
    Several years ago, The Jewish community center in my city donated this book to all of my classes of eighth grade American history students. It had such a profound effect on my students, which were predominantly minority kids, that one black boy took the cover off of the book, laminated it, and wore it around his neck! We read the book during Holocaust month, then went to hear the author speak at a nearby university. We just happened to figure out her birthday and corresponded with the date we were privileged to hear her. There were many schools invited and hundreds of students were in attendance. We ask to sit up front so we could present Alicia with a giant birthday card we made and led the entire audience in singing Happy Birthday to her. It was so touching. Several of my students had experienced truly awful events in their lives and identified with her. Prior to the event we had sent their heartfelt letters to her after we finished the book, and during her talk, she acknowledged my kids’ efforts. For some kids, this was the first book they owned and read. It was a highlight of my teaching career.
  • Amazing!

    5
    By 💗Cozi
    I have read quite a few books on the ww2 but this was absolutely the best!
  • Alicia

    5
    By ZeboStudio
    Excellent!
  • Amazing!

    5
    By Kate :)***********
    I am speechless. This book is one I will remember forever. My children will be reading it soon. This is a story that should never stop being told... The courage Alicia had to write this is one I don't believe many would have.
  • Alicia

    5
    By Pommy1945
    It was a wonderful, powerful book which every Jewish child should read. So that the phrase, never again, really resonates with each reader when it is said. Deborah Frank Lucky to be born in 1945 in England.
  • CharlieG

    5
    By Comdini
    I am a 14 year old student who is reading this book for class. When we were assigned this book I thought it was going to be boring. As I started reading it, I became more engrossed in the literature, and found it to be a heart wrenching story. I encourage anyone who thinks their life is bad to pick up this book, read it, and still say your life is bad.
  • Amazing!

    5
    By Dmm9charlie
    I had the priveledge of meeting Alicia as a young child at school. Her story is an amazing one. Hers is one of many stories of courage admist the cruelty of the Nazi, yet this was the first story that really stuck with me from childhood. We are lucky that Alicia found the courage to tell her story.
  • Alicia

    5
    By WJHcayman
    Excellent book. Great for a book club. Alicia really makes you think..... And appreciate life. She never got a break. Very humbling. I've read this book 3 times!